Main Discussion

Hello, and welcome to this summit! We hope that everyone had a safe and pleasant journey here. Now, as you may know, there have been several bloody riots in the country recently, due to the on-going Bergenstein financial crisis. When the Miet government arrested Modernists who were reportedly creating disorder at several public rallies, they were given a mass show-trial and charged with disturbing the peace, quickly being sentenced to public execution by guillotine. When Margrave Charles of Miensburg – who also holds the title of King-Emperor of Grand and Belluterra – tried to stop the executions, his chief Miet advisors and the leaders of the armed forces put their plans for a long-planned coup d'état into effect. When the Imperial Federal Kingdom heard about the coup d'état against and kidnapping of their King-Emperor, they sent a small peacekeeping force to try and stop the madness; by this point, widespread street fighting had erupted into civil war. The IFK and Mitronian forces eventually managed to take the palace, successfully rescuing the Margrave and his brother and taking the coup leaders into custody; sadly, they were unable to halt the executions of the 160 condemned Modernists. Following days of continued fighting, a tenuous cease fire has put in place to try and find possible solutions to the problem.

Current State Stances:

Berge Representative: The Low Kingdom of Berge has historically been a great supporter of the state system; however, we now believe that major modernisation needs to happen. We are not suggesting a change in currencies unless absolutely necessary, but we do advocate finding a more stable way of having them. More transparency is definitely required and the people’s opinion matters. In the case of Miensburg, we do not side with the Traditionalists in any way. What they did is wrong: arrests without warrant, no proper trial, and a gory mass execution in public. These things are never acceptable, and we are utterly ashamed that a fellow state would ever do such a thing.

Litheniant Representative: As you know, we are not part of mainland Bergenstein. Thus, we have not experienced problems anywhere near to the degree that other states have had. However, it is our opinion that a change of economic system in this state, at least, would be little more than a cosmetic difference from the old system.

Lorona representative: We absolutely and utterly oppose any form of central government. We believe it is entirely up to the states to control their population and economy. We have used a feudal system of governance successfully in our state for hundreds of years, and see no reason to change it now. As a government, we have the highest approval rating of any state, and our leaders are the second-wealthiest of any state. A new system would bring complete ruin to our society and culture.

Shwieset representative: We have the most developed economy in Bergenstein, and are the centre of trade for the entire nation. It is our government’s belief that trade using our own currency will not ever destabilise our economy, which continues to be in pristine condition. We are a shining example of our system successfully put into action. We also believe that the execution of the hundred and sixty Modernist prisoners was entirely legal and was morally justified; the laws of Miensburg clearly instruct that any actions which can possibly be construed as rebellious in any way are punishable by death via guillotine. The courts were simply following standard procedure.

Trierenstien representative: We completely agree with the statement of the honourable representative from Berge.

Danskmarkensweg representative: As a distant exclave of Bergenstein, we have seen few of the troubles that have plagued the rest of the country. We have not had any rebellions or financial crises, and therefore we abstain from further comment at this point.

Werdrecht representative:  We believe that the current state system can work in theory. However, the complete blockage of economic information by the Central Government was wrong, and every state in Bergenstein has had to pay the price as a result. The state governments had no idea that the economy was so bad; the Central Government has let us down on that front. Therefore, we believe that what the issue here really is, is the downtrodden state of our economy and how to fix it without losing our beloved currencies

Miensburg representative: We did what our laws say. We executed criminals that committed crimes that clearly and indisputably warrant the death penalty. This is a matter of identity; we states each have our own way of life, and centralising it would remove all those little kinks that make up our identity. It is indisputable: we acted correctly. Our coup is also entirely justifiable. You see, we know and will now tell you that the Margrave was acting out of his power by requesting that a “fair” retrial of the condemned be held, defying the constitution to which he was bound. He was no longer a suitable leader, and so we replaced him.

Coutony representative: We completely support the actions of our closest ally, the Lordship of Miensburg. The executions were a just and necessary action, as well as an affair steeped in national traditions going back centuries. Therefore, we will support Miensburg fully.

Cellmradon representative: We, as representatives of the government of Cellmradon, declare that no band of pitiful little rebels living in the backwoods of Bergenstein will ever force us to give up or change in any way.

Brendemland representative: We will not stand for any acts of unlawful violence on any street, be it in Brendemland or on the other side of Adonia. We like stability; change only brings instability, which causes the collapses of empires. We don’t want Bergenstein to collapse.

Verana representative: For a long time, we, the government of Verana, have been far too quiet on the matter – no longer, however. First off, we would like to congratulate the leaders of the Miensburg coup d'état for their swift actions, which will have successfully discouraged many (but sadly, by no means all) Modernists from protesting against the status quo. We were not a poor state, thanks to our large tourist industry – did you know that, according to government-funded research, 99.99% of visiting tourists used our state currency in transactions instead of the national one? However, this recent financial crash and the illegal protests have hurt our tourist industry dramatically, dealing further damage to our economy. We ask that all Modernists immediately cease these illegal protests and uprisings against the government, so that all of our economies can recover. If the violence does not stop voluntarily, we will put an end to it.

Let the discussions begin!

Ladies and gentlemen, as requested and allowed by the Doge of Sinope, Diogenes, I, Constantin Chalastanis, current ambassador to Bergenstein, will act as the official representative for the Sinope Republic in this summit.

I would like to request every representatives to not discuss of the executions that happened in Bergenstein. The matter is dealt by the USNW Court of Justice as part of the human rights violation claims. However, an independent investigation is required to determine the events in a legal and outside perspective. As I recall, the government of Bergenstein agreed to this investigation. I propose a USNW lead team of experts to be send as soon as possible in Bergenstein to investigate while a cease-fire is currently established.

As for the matters of the nation of Bergenstein itself and its profound instability which caused the ongoing civil war, I believe a nation-wide referendum on the question of the currency is needed. I also believe that, as the states are so divided over the issues, the question of the Bergenstein unity can be asked. Is the current union working? Should the union be changed?

I would like to hear other representatives' thoughts before I continue. Mr. Pavlov, any comments from Relastova?

C.C.
Constantin Chalastanis
Sinopian Ambassador to Bergenstein
_______________________________________________________________

Yes, thank you Mr. Chalastanis. Ladies and gentlemen, as representative of the Relastovan Federation, I must completely ignore the statement of the representative of this so-called state of Litheniant. As of the matters in the agenda, I agree with my Sinopian colleague about the urgent need for an investigation team to be created and investigating the alleged human rights abuses in Bergenstein before the situation gets out of hands.

On behalf of the Relastovan people, I would like to thank the nation and states of Bergenstein to have agreed to hold this summit and for the current cease-fire. We hope the hostility and violence in the region will cease and dialogue will prevail for the security of the region.

From the point of views and opinions of each states and the central government of Bergenstein, it seems, according to my observation, that Bergenstein is really split up between two main ideas. Could it solve any problem if the current union was broken and instead, the states of Bergenstein would either remain independent or form a new union with states that have the same opinion on the matter? I know my comparison here is rather simplistic, but it seems to me like a good solution for the end of this conflict considering the states are so divided. Thank you.

A.P.P.
Alexei Pavlovich Pavlov
Relastovan Ambassador to Bergenstein

Gregory Hanson
Follandan Foreign Representative
- - -

*Representative Hanson stands from his chair, disgruntled.*

I have traveled several thousand miles to relay the sentiment that Chancellor Moen is utterly appalled at Bergenstein's harsh treatment of its citizenry. Death penalty for Disturbing the Peace?? Public executions by beheading?! I apologize but what era are we living in again? The Follandan Government cannot see any reason to be sympathetic to Bergenstein, or it's State when they allow such acts. The Modernists have the right to speak out for a better life, Representatives, and I can say for certainty that the Follandan Government agrees with me.

I'd also like to question why the Bergenstein Central Government doesn't have a more secure grasp on legal matters in its States, since they are within the Bergenstein borders, are they not? To have such disregard for them, you might as well make them their own sovereign nations.

Berge Representative:
I couldn’t agree more with the right honourable gentleman from the Imperial Federal Kingdom when it comes to the topic of the Miet atrocities. This is the twenty-first century, and so eighteenth-century activities such as these should be halted and those held accountable be brought to true justice. However, I am afraid that one of the facts he laid out is sadly incorrect in parts. Our intelligence service has uncovered damning evidence in the past that private executions by guillotine are a common occurrence in Miensburg. This is unfortunately little-known even among the people of Bergenstein, due to the secrecy with which this is done.

Prince Luke of the Imperial Federal Kingdom:
My point about the executions still stands, however.

Miensburg Representative:
*stands up sharply* How dare you accuse our government of guillotining people in secret! I want your evidence. This summit is for facts and solutions, not scandals and lies!

Berge Representative:
*calmly* We have videotapes of the secret executions of Miet participants in the 1983 revolutions, among other pieces of evidence. Would you like to see them, sir? *silence; Miensburg representative sits back down* I thought not. Now, I would also like to hear from the Couts on this point.

Coutony Representative:
We have nothing to add at this point, unless that is an accusation, sir? In that case, Coutony denies ever having guillotined people behind closed doors.

Berge Representative:
You may have not had people face the guillotine; however, you have certainly executed people in secret, behind closed doors without trial. Isn’t it the Coutony “tradition” to hang people? And is that method not also illegal according to the United Sovereign Nations’ Charter? And do not argue: we will repeat again, if any of the honourable gentlemen in this room wish to see our evidence, they are welcome to view it. *Cout representative sits down defeated.* Now, the Low Kingdom of Berge is willing to put a statewide referendum into place as soon as possible, giving the people the option to choose between having a single national currency, or for some form of preservation for the separate currencies, but allowing major changes in the economics of Bergenstein all the same, or for no change to take place.

Trierenstien Representative:
We will also put the poll proposed by the honourable Berge representative into action as soon as possible, with its results hopefully coming in by the second of September.

Ladies and gentlemen, order please, for the love of the gods. I expressively requested to not talk about the alleged human rights abuses in this summit to not come to this kind of hearty debates over who's in the wrong. Mr. Representative for Berge, if you have any kind of evidence of your allegations you want to show, submit them to the Court of Justice of the USNW. Once again, Mr. Hanson, Mr. the Prince, honourable representatives in this meeting, it is not a question of who did what and who's in the wrong, but rather a question of what to do to solve this crisis and how to fix this country, at this moment. So please, shall we continue to debate on the solutions to this crisis?

I request the Bergenstein governments to allow a USNW-lead independent investigation team to investigate the alleged human rights abuses in the country.

C.C.
Constantin Chalastanis
Sinopian Ambassador to Bergenstein

Bergenstein Central Government representative:
We must inform you that we do have such a currency for interstate uses, called the Skiler. It must be accepted by national law; however, it is infrequently used. We would also inform you that we do not require the services of your mint, as we have a surprisingly large quantity of them at home.

Relastova would like to put forward talks on a possible armistice between the two parties. It will insure a complete cessation of hostilities and of all acts of armed force in Bergenstein until a final peaceful settlement is achieved.

A.P.P.
Alexei Pavlovich Pavlov
Relastovan Ambassador to Bergenstein

*Representative Hanson returns to his seat, cups his hands on the table*

My statement, and sentiment about what happened is said. Now I'll get to the, as you said, "solution" the Follandan Government wishes to bring forward.

*clears his throat*

Ladies and Gentlemen, as of right now, the Follandan Government  views the Bergenstein Traditionalists as a radical, criminal faction. The beheading of the 160 demonstrators will be seen as counts of First Degree Murder. We respectfully request the Berge Government to track down and arrest every Traditionalist who took part in the unlawful executions.

*looks directly at the Traditionalist Representative*

The world has moved on from your backwards ideology, and "traditions". We also move to have the Berge Central Government completely unify the Bergenstein States into a finally singular nation. The days of Nation States is long past and unless you prefer to exert the massive amounts of effort, time, and money into keeping your country stable, Bergenstein should become one, unified, Bergenstein. 

We appreciate your cooperation. Sinope will send 3 experts from YAK to investigate the alleged human rights abuse. They will arrive in the USNW headquarters in Francistown. We expect other USNW nations to send as well experts to the formation of this international independent investigation team.

C.C.
Constantin Chalastanis
Sinopian Ambassador to Bergenstein

I hope your teams enjoy their scavenger hunt while risking their lives in a destabilized region.


(I'm sorry, I'm being really snooty.  )

mik_moen wrote:(I'm sorry, I'm being really snooty.  )

Shouldn't have put that as an official Foll statement

Under the current ceasefire, there is theoretically no danger to investigate. Sinope believes both sides have interests for future relations to not harm the investigative team. Of course Folland is welcome to send experts, but considering its history, it might as well not... We don't want a coup d'état inside the team. It has nothing to do with a scavenger hunt, referring to it as so is highly insulting to the lives lost in the Bergenstein Civil War and shameful from the Foll regime. This investigation is highly important and a top priority to solve this crisis. The presence of Euphemian Bloc experts is not needed. Althenan nations can deal with its own expertise which is frankly way better.

((Just putting more oil on fire))

(You're hitting a tender soft spot whenever you call their Government a "regime".  )

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